Scotland
UK
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Edinburgh College has achieved a significant environmental milestone by becoming the first college in Scotland to completely decarbonise one of its campuses. The Midlothian Campus has successfully replaced its traditional fossil-fuel heating system with a modern, renewable alternative, advancing the College's progress toward its Net Zero goals.
Working in partnership with renewable energy experts Vital Energi, the project was funded through the Scottish Government's Energy Efficiency Grant Scheme 2024/25. The overhaul involved replacing the existing gas heating system with a 640kW air source heat pump, alongside upgrades to the secondary heat system and controls.
The transition is expected to reduce carbon emissions at the Midlothian Campus by over 100 tonnes annually.
Edinburgh College Vice Principal Jon Buglass said: "We are delighted to reach this important milestone. We've completely replaced a fossil-fuel heating system with a modern, renewable alternative that will cut emissions, reduce long-term operating costs, and create a more sustainable environment that will benefit our college community for years to come."
The project was delivered via the Non-Domestic Energy Efficiency Framework (NDEE) and includes an energy performance contract. This agreement guarantees that key performance indicators, such as specific carbon reduction targets, will be met, providing the College with operational certainty.
Kieran Walsh, Regional Manager at Vital Energi, noted the unique nature of the project: "Normally, organisations decarbonise in phases, but Edinburgh College has been able to electrify their heating system in one single phase. As the grid decarbonises through more green sources, such as wind and solar, those carbon savings will continue to grow."
Beyond its environmental impact, the new system will serve as a practical educational resource. Students at the College's Engineering, Renewables and Energy Efficiency Training Centre will be able to study the low-carbon technology firsthand, integrating the campus infrastructure into their professional training.
